Coventry born Paven, whilst attending youth theatre produced 2 plays exploring themes of being British South Asian. She then devised a musical with young people and radio play with vulnerable women tackling issues from sexuality to arranged marriages. Paven’s been part of Royal Court Young Writers and Theatre Royal Stratford East Musical Theatre Residency. Her National Theatre Studio attachment led to a NT Connections play.

Her dark girl gang play England’s Lane gained industry recognition leading to being named one of Screen International ‘Stars of Tomorrow’, selected for Working Title’s film residency at Hay Festival and Guiding Lights screen mentorship with Simon Beaufoy. In 2012 she took a 6-year break to be a mother and care for her mother with vascular dementia. On return she’s part of BBC Voices, Channel 4 screenwriting programme 2022 and remains passionate about working with hard-to-reach communities allowing them to have a voice to tell their stories.

Please tell us in a few words what excites you most about Foundry:

Having led storytelling workshops with my mother, a story teller in her native Punjabi language, I have always felt drama and storytelling enriches lives, but since my mother was diagnosed with vascular dementia I am now starting a new chapter. The Foundry is a chance for me to experiment with new ways/art forms of delivering workshops, creating, and sharing bold and exciting community led work alongside brilliant practitioners and mentors who I look forward to learning from.”